AFTER losing six successive games in League One away from home, Pools stopped the rot with a draw at Northampton.

Pools have not avoided defeat on the road since winning at Millwall on November 3 – a run of almost 4500 miles, too few goals and too many goals conceded.

They fell behind yesterday, but Ben Clark marked his return to the side with a goal to salvage a draw.

"It ends the run, so we have to be satisfied with it," said manager Danny Wilson. "Perhaps it was a fair result, both sides had chances to win the game towards the end.

"We looked solid at the back when we had to be, we defended well and it was pleasing."

It didn’t look that way, however, when Northampton took the lead. Pools have given away too many soft goals of late and this one was no exception.

A corner wasn’t cleared despite Pools having their chances to get rid and big central defender Liam Dolman was allowed to turn the ball home.

Keeper Arran Lee-Barrett was given only his second game of the season, but could do nothing about the goal. Later, however, he rescued Pools with two important and vital late saves.

Clark had already put one chance wide from close range, turning a low shot wide when grounded, but made no mistake in injury time.

Robbie Elliott’s corner was returned to the area by Willie Boland and Clark was allowed to pick his spot and pass the ball into the corner of the net.

The goal certainly lifted Pools after a below par first-half and they were much improved after the break as the game opened up.

The introduction of substitutes James Brown and Matty Robson livened up Pools.

Robson created openings on the left side, crossing low for Ian Moore. He should have done more than turn the ball into the side netting from close range.

Brown caused problems on the other flank, with some intelligent link-up play.

But the home side missed a big chance when substitute Liam Gilligan sent a volley over the bar from an unmarked spot eight yards out.

Moore hit the bar with a deft chip, but Lee-Barrett saved Pools at the end. Gilligan again got in on goal and the keeper stood his ground on the edge of the area to nick the ball away from the advancing striker.

There was still time for Pools to see a big penalty appeal rejected, when Robson was bundled over as he charged into the area.

"We’ve taken a point, which is just what we have needed away from home," concluded Wilson. "Not we have to make sure we make the most of two home games to come in the next week or so."